Week 4: Injury updates around the NFLBy John Clayton
ESPN.com
Archive
Here is the latest news on key injuries going into Week 4 of the 2005 NFL season:
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Right tackle Mike Williams hasn't practiced all week because of the ankle injury that sidelined him last week. Listed as questionable, Williams will probably miss his second straight game, leaving Greg Jerman as the starter. Tight end Tim Euhus is questionable with a knee injury and was able to do a little at Friday's practice. He will be a gametime decision. Safety Coy Wire missed Friday's workout and is questionable with a thigh injury and probably won't play. Wide receiver Roscoe Parrish is out with a wrist injury and is two or three weeks away from returning.
New England Patriots: The Patriots made no change to their lengthy injury list, which has 10 players listed as questionable or out. Fullback Kevin Faulk (foot) and left tackle Matt Light (surgery for a broken leg) are out and defensive end Marquise Hill isn't expected to play because of an ankle injury that forced him into a boot. The big question marks remain at cornerback where Randall Gay (ankle) and Tyrone Poole (ankle) didn't play last week and missed portions of practice for three days of practice. Cornerback Duane Starks (thigh) and Chad Scott (shoulder and hand) are questionable but they played last week with injuries. Backup tackle Brandon Gorin is questionable with a thigh injury and missed part of Friday's workout. Safety James Sanders is questionable with an ankle injury.
New York Jets: The only question of uncertainty is tackle Jason Fabini, who practiced on his sprained medial collateral knee ligament and is offering his services for Sunday's game against the Ravens. The Jets moved him from left to right tackle to give him an easier time playing with the injury. Adrian Jones will start at left tackle. Fabini will probably back up Scott Gragg at right tackle Sunday. Out for the Jets are fullback B.J. Askew (ankle), linebacker Eric Barton (ankle) and quarterbacks Chad Pennington (shoulder) and Jay Fiedler (shoulder). Defensive end Shaun Ellis is fine with his knee injury and will play.
AFC South
Houston Texans: The Texans will wait until Saturday to determine the status of tight end Matt Murphy. He banged up his shoulder this week but he was able to practice Friday. Defensive end Gary Walker (shoulder) is out and even though linebacker Jason Babin (shoulder) is listed as probable, he's probably going to miss the game. Travis Johnson will start for Walker. Cornerback Lewis Sanders is probable with neck and shoulder injuries.
Indianapolis Colts: Six players missed Friday's practice and they are all expected to be out for Sunday. Already ruled out are defensive tackle Vincent Burns (knee), linebacker Gilbert Gardner (ankle), safety Joseph Jefferson (toe) and fullback James Mungro (knee). Halfback Dominic Rhodes (shoulder) and tight end Ben Utecht (chest) are doubtful, but they didn't practice and they are expected to be out. Wide receiver Troy Walters is questionable with a hamstring, but he practiced Friday. Defensive tackle Larry Tripplett is fine with a knee injury. He's probable.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide receiver Reggie Williams was added to the injury report Friday as probable after bumping his knee in practice, but he should be able to play. He was the only player who missed practice. Guards Chris Naeole (knee) and tackle Maurice Williams (knee) practiced the past two days and should be able to start. They were big question marks at the beginning of the week. Defensive tackle Marcus Stroud is questionable with a knee injury, but he's practiced for two days and is fine.
Tennessee Titans: Jeff Fisher won't know until gametime Sunday against the Colts whether defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will play. Haynesworth has a knee injury and hasn't practiced all week. This one is going to be close and there is a decent chance the team may wait until next week to get him back. Safety Vincent Fuller is out with an ankle injury. Center Eugene Amano practiced and should be cleared to play despite a concussion. Linebacker Peter Sirmon (knee) practiced and should be fine. Safety Justin Sandy is questionable with a foot injury and will probably miss the game. Wide receiver Courtney Roby (toe) is questionable.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens added fullback Alan Ricard to the injury list as questionable with a calf injury. Wide receiver Randy Hymes was added as questionable Thursday with an elbow injury. Hymes and Ricard each have a chance of playing. Defensive end Anthony Weaver was added with a knee injury, but he is probable.
Cincinnati Bengals: Right tackle Willie Anderson did some "technical" work during Friday's practice, according to Marvin Lewis, and should be able to start against the Texans. He's listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Bryan Robinson was added to the injury report Friday only because he rested a little bit. He will play. So will cornerback Deltha O'Neal, who was added with a knee injury, but he's listed as probable. Halfback Rudi Johnson (knee), punter Kyle Larson (back), defensive end Carl Powell (knee) and linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) are probable. They practiced Friday and will be fine.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: Champ Bailey is trying to play in his 100th consecutive start, but it will be a challenge. He didn't practice Friday because his hamstring injury still isn't healthy enough. Mike Shanahan will wait until warm-ups Sunday to see if he can be able to play. It will be a gametime decision. Cornerback Darrent Williams remains a question mark because of his ankle injury but he practiced Friday. The team downgraded him to questionable on Friday, but his return to practice gives him a chance. If Williams and Bailey can't go, the Broncos would have to start Lenny Walls and Domonique Foxworth. Of the list of four other backups who are questionable, only linebacker Louis Green (hamstring) and cornerback Roc Alexander (hamstring) are expected to miss the game.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have three key injuries, the biggest of which is left tackle Willie Roaf. He's questionable with a hamstring injury but is expected to miss his third consecutive game. Out are linebacker Keyaron Fox (knee) and defensive tackle Ryan Sims (foot). Defensive end Carlos Hall is questionable with a back injury, but he's been practicing. The team also expects to have tight end Jason Dunn, who is probable with a knee injury. Defensive tackle John Browning (biceps) was added to the list as probable. Dexter McCleon (hamstring) was taken off the injury list.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders will be without wide receiver Ronald Curry, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles. Running back John Paul Foschi hasn't practiced in a couple of weeks with a knee injury and is expected to be out again. He's listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Ed Jasper is questionable with an ankle injury and hasn't practiced. Tight end Courtney Anderson (knee) and cornerback Charles Woodson (knee) are probable.
San Diego Chargers: Chargers linebacker Steve Foley didn't practice for a second consecutive day on Friday but he is expected to play even though he's listed as questionable. The Chargers list six other players as questionable, but the only one who isn't expected to play is guard Toniu Fonoti (hand). Tight end Ryan Krause missed Friday's practice and probably won't play with a foot injury. Those with good chances to play are center Nick Hardwick (neck), wide receiver Vincent Jackson (calf), linebacker Shaun Phillips (calf) and cornerback Quentin Jammer (quad). Those four practiced Friday. From that group, though, Vincent may be inactive.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are in good shape. Linebacker Kevin Burnett was added to the injury report Thursday after he tweaked his knee in practice, but he will play. Backup inside linebacker Ryan Fowler has been in and out of practice all week because of a calf injury and remains questionable.
New York Giants: The Giants defense could be short for the game against the Rams powerful offense. Cornerback Will Peterson is out with a possible stress fracture in his back. He will see a specialist Tuesday to determine if he can play the rest of the season. Even though Corey Webster remains listed as questionable with a quad injury, he's practiced all week and should be able to start along with Will Allen. Another problem is at linebacker. Carlos Emmons was added to the injury report Thursday with a hurt knee and hasn't practiced in two days. Tom Coughlin said it will be a gametime decision on Emmons. Barrett Green has practiced all week with knee and ankle problems and should be able to play. Running back Chad Morton is questionable with a hamstring injury and practiced all week. Running back Derrick Ward is questionable with a hamstring injury but could be available.
Philadelphia Eagles: With kicker David Akers out with a hamstring injury, the Eagles signed kicker Todd France off their practice squad and released wide receiver Darnerien McCants. Defensive tackle Darwin Walker was downgraded to out and will be replaced by rookie Mike Patterson. The five other players who remain on the injury list as probable will play. That includes quarterback Donovan McNabb, wide receiver Terrell Owens (abdomen), cornerback Lito Sheppard (knee) and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter (knee).
Washington Redskins: Rookie Carlos Rogers will get the start at cornerback because Walt Harris hasn't been able to practice all week because of a calf injury. Harris, kicker John Hall (quad) and safety Pierson Prioleau (hamstring) were downgraded from questionable to doubtful, meaning this trio probably won't play. Tackle Jon Jansen continues to play with two broken thumbs.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons defense is healthy for the first time since the opener. The only Falcons player who didn't practice and won't play was backup linebacker Antoine Cash, who is doubtful with a groin injury. Finally, Jim Mora has his cornerback corps set. Jason Webster is back after missing last week with a knee injury. Allen Rossum assumes the third cornerback role along with being the main return specialist after missing two games with a hamstring injury. Defensive end Brady Smith is back after missing a couple of games with a quad injury. Wide receiver Dez White has practiced all week with a hamstring injury that sidelined him last week, but Brian Finneran may end up starting.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers downgraded defensive end Kemp Rasmussen from questionable to doubtful because of a knee injury. He didn't practice Friday. The rest of the team is in good shape. Cornerback Ken Lucas remains questionable but he's practiced the past couple of days. Linebacker Will Witherspoon was back to practice Friday, giving him a good chance of playing. He missed last week with a knee injury and is listed as questionable.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints have 11 players listed as questionable, but the only two who didn't practice were halfback Aaron Stecker (ankle) and cornerback Fakhir Brown (knee). Both are expected to miss the game along with safety Jay Bellamy, who is out for the season. Wide receiver Joe Horn ran a little bit in practice and will try to play despite a hamstring injury that has him listed as questionable. Guard Jermane Mayberry practiced despite a bad shoulder. Jim Haslett has to decide whether to start him or Montrae Holland, who is questionable with a knee injury. Defensive ends Darren Howard (knee) and Charles Grant (toe) are questionable, but they practiced Friday and will play.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: "Cadillac" Williams has been limited in practice all week with his arch injury, but he will be starting. He has 88 carries in three games, and coach Jon Gruden is going to continue to work him as the main offensive threat. Safety Dexter Jackson remains questionable with a hamstring injury, but has a chance to play. The more likely scenario is for Jackson to back up Will Allen, who could take over the starting job. Guard Matt Stinchcomb's back is a little better and he could be available for backup duty.
NFC North
Detroit Lions: Kicker Jason Hanson continues to work toward a comeback from a hamstring injury that sidelined him two weeks ago, but the decision comes down to Saturday. Steve Mariucci is leaning toward having Hanson on the active roster and not making a move. He handled a few kickoffs and field goals and thinks he has a chance. If not, the Lions might have to add Remy Hamilton from their practice squad. Defensive end James Hall didn't practiced Friday and is questionable. He said Thursday he will be able to play, but it will be a gametime decision. The Lions won't have quarterback Jeff Garcia (ankle), fullback Cory Schlesinger (fibula), linebacker Alex Lewis (ankle) and safety Vernon Fox (elbow). Fox, who is listed as questionable, didn't practice again Friday.
Green Bay Packers: Over the past two days, the Packers have added six players to the injury report as probable, but there doesn't seem to be a serious injury. Safety Mark Roman was among the three added Friday for missing practice. He's probable with a hamstring injury. Running back Najeh Davenport was added Thursday as probable with a hamstring injury but he practiced Friday. So did center Mike Flanagan, who was added Friday with an abdominal injury. Cornerback Ahmad Carroll practiced Friday with a knee injury that lists him as questionable. He has a chance of playing. Tight end Bubba Franks remains out of practice with a knee injury. He's listed as questionable.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings downgraded three players who more than likely will miss Sunday's game against the Falcons. Safety Darren Sharper was downgraded to doubtful from questionable with a knee injury that has sidelined him all week and last week. Defensive end Kenechi Udeze was ruled out of the game. He is going to have arthroscopic knee surgery sometime next week. Halfback Moe Williams was downgraded from probable to questionable with a knee injury. Mike Tice will make a gametime decision whether or not he will play. Out are wide receiver Nate Burleson (knee) and cornerback Brian Williams (knee). Defensive end Lance Johnstone ruled himself out this week with a bad shoulder injury. Linebacker Sam Cowart is able to play with a hamstring injury. He's listed as probable. Linebacker E.J. Henderson might be available with an ankle injury that has him listed as questionable.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: There was no change in the Cardinals injury report, which means things are in bad shape for the game Sunday against the 49ers. Out are linebackers Gerald Hayes (knee), cornerback Antrel Rolle (knee), tackle Oliver Ross (hand) and quarterback Kurt Warner (groin). The Cardinals expected cornerback David Macklin to play even though he is probable with a hamstring injury.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers will start Anthony Clement at tackle because of Jonas Jennings' shoulder injury. Jennings hasn't practiced all week and is questionable. He was downgraded to doubtful Friday. Wide receiver Arnaz Battle (knee) and center Jeremy Newberry (knee) missed Friday's practice but they expect to play. They haven't practiced all week and were downgraded to questionable. Linebacker Julian Peterson missed Friday's practice with a hamstring injury. He's questionable, but the team expects him to play. Cornerback Mike Rumph was placed on the injured reserve list. His roster spot was taken by practice squad cornerback Bruce Thornton.
St. Louis Rams: Coach Mike Martz missed practice on Friday with a sinus infection, but is expected to make Sunday's game against the Giants. Wide receiver Isaac Bruce is all but out. He has a turf toe and hasn't practiced all week. Kevin Curtis will start for him. Safety Michael Hawthorne (ankle) and halfback Steven Jackson (chest) were upgraded from questionable to probable. Tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (knee) was downgraded from probable to questionable after missing practice Friday. Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy was taken off the injury report. The Rams re-signed cornerback Terry Fair and placed guard Richie Incognito on the NFI injury list after signing him a day ago.
Seattle Seahawks: Wide receiver Darrell Jackson missed Friday's practice because he is going to see a doctor about a knee injury that developed this week. Mike Holmgren expects him to play when he rejoins the team in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. Jackson is probable. The Seahawks could be down as many as three players Sunday for the trip to Washington, but the most significant new injuries involved wide receiver Peter Warrick, who is questionable with a groin injury and hasn't practiced all week. Cornerback Kelly Herndon was downgraded to questionable Thursday with a neck injury but he practiced Friday and should be able to play. The offensive line will be down two tackles, but that was expected. Missing will be Wayne Hunter (hamstring) and Floyd Womack (triceps).
ESPN.com
Archive
Here is the latest news on key injuries going into Week 4 of the 2005 NFL season:
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Right tackle Mike Williams hasn't practiced all week because of the ankle injury that sidelined him last week. Listed as questionable, Williams will probably miss his second straight game, leaving Greg Jerman as the starter. Tight end Tim Euhus is questionable with a knee injury and was able to do a little at Friday's practice. He will be a gametime decision. Safety Coy Wire missed Friday's workout and is questionable with a thigh injury and probably won't play. Wide receiver Roscoe Parrish is out with a wrist injury and is two or three weeks away from returning.
New England Patriots: The Patriots made no change to their lengthy injury list, which has 10 players listed as questionable or out. Fullback Kevin Faulk (foot) and left tackle Matt Light (surgery for a broken leg) are out and defensive end Marquise Hill isn't expected to play because of an ankle injury that forced him into a boot. The big question marks remain at cornerback where Randall Gay (ankle) and Tyrone Poole (ankle) didn't play last week and missed portions of practice for three days of practice. Cornerback Duane Starks (thigh) and Chad Scott (shoulder and hand) are questionable but they played last week with injuries. Backup tackle Brandon Gorin is questionable with a thigh injury and missed part of Friday's workout. Safety James Sanders is questionable with an ankle injury.
New York Jets: The only question of uncertainty is tackle Jason Fabini, who practiced on his sprained medial collateral knee ligament and is offering his services for Sunday's game against the Ravens. The Jets moved him from left to right tackle to give him an easier time playing with the injury. Adrian Jones will start at left tackle. Fabini will probably back up Scott Gragg at right tackle Sunday. Out for the Jets are fullback B.J. Askew (ankle), linebacker Eric Barton (ankle) and quarterbacks Chad Pennington (shoulder) and Jay Fiedler (shoulder). Defensive end Shaun Ellis is fine with his knee injury and will play.
AFC South
Houston Texans: The Texans will wait until Saturday to determine the status of tight end Matt Murphy. He banged up his shoulder this week but he was able to practice Friday. Defensive end Gary Walker (shoulder) is out and even though linebacker Jason Babin (shoulder) is listed as probable, he's probably going to miss the game. Travis Johnson will start for Walker. Cornerback Lewis Sanders is probable with neck and shoulder injuries.
Indianapolis Colts: Six players missed Friday's practice and they are all expected to be out for Sunday. Already ruled out are defensive tackle Vincent Burns (knee), linebacker Gilbert Gardner (ankle), safety Joseph Jefferson (toe) and fullback James Mungro (knee). Halfback Dominic Rhodes (shoulder) and tight end Ben Utecht (chest) are doubtful, but they didn't practice and they are expected to be out. Wide receiver Troy Walters is questionable with a hamstring, but he practiced Friday. Defensive tackle Larry Tripplett is fine with a knee injury. He's probable.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide receiver Reggie Williams was added to the injury report Friday as probable after bumping his knee in practice, but he should be able to play. He was the only player who missed practice. Guards Chris Naeole (knee) and tackle Maurice Williams (knee) practiced the past two days and should be able to start. They were big question marks at the beginning of the week. Defensive tackle Marcus Stroud is questionable with a knee injury, but he's practiced for two days and is fine.
Tennessee Titans: Jeff Fisher won't know until gametime Sunday against the Colts whether defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will play. Haynesworth has a knee injury and hasn't practiced all week. This one is going to be close and there is a decent chance the team may wait until next week to get him back. Safety Vincent Fuller is out with an ankle injury. Center Eugene Amano practiced and should be cleared to play despite a concussion. Linebacker Peter Sirmon (knee) practiced and should be fine. Safety Justin Sandy is questionable with a foot injury and will probably miss the game. Wide receiver Courtney Roby (toe) is questionable.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens added fullback Alan Ricard to the injury list as questionable with a calf injury. Wide receiver Randy Hymes was added as questionable Thursday with an elbow injury. Hymes and Ricard each have a chance of playing. Defensive end Anthony Weaver was added with a knee injury, but he is probable.
Cincinnati Bengals: Right tackle Willie Anderson did some "technical" work during Friday's practice, according to Marvin Lewis, and should be able to start against the Texans. He's listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Bryan Robinson was added to the injury report Friday only because he rested a little bit. He will play. So will cornerback Deltha O'Neal, who was added with a knee injury, but he's listed as probable. Halfback Rudi Johnson (knee), punter Kyle Larson (back), defensive end Carl Powell (knee) and linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) are probable. They practiced Friday and will be fine.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: Champ Bailey is trying to play in his 100th consecutive start, but it will be a challenge. He didn't practice Friday because his hamstring injury still isn't healthy enough. Mike Shanahan will wait until warm-ups Sunday to see if he can be able to play. It will be a gametime decision. Cornerback Darrent Williams remains a question mark because of his ankle injury but he practiced Friday. The team downgraded him to questionable on Friday, but his return to practice gives him a chance. If Williams and Bailey can't go, the Broncos would have to start Lenny Walls and Domonique Foxworth. Of the list of four other backups who are questionable, only linebacker Louis Green (hamstring) and cornerback Roc Alexander (hamstring) are expected to miss the game.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have three key injuries, the biggest of which is left tackle Willie Roaf. He's questionable with a hamstring injury but is expected to miss his third consecutive game. Out are linebacker Keyaron Fox (knee) and defensive tackle Ryan Sims (foot). Defensive end Carlos Hall is questionable with a back injury, but he's been practicing. The team also expects to have tight end Jason Dunn, who is probable with a knee injury. Defensive tackle John Browning (biceps) was added to the list as probable. Dexter McCleon (hamstring) was taken off the injury list.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders will be without wide receiver Ronald Curry, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles. Running back John Paul Foschi hasn't practiced in a couple of weeks with a knee injury and is expected to be out again. He's listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Ed Jasper is questionable with an ankle injury and hasn't practiced. Tight end Courtney Anderson (knee) and cornerback Charles Woodson (knee) are probable.
San Diego Chargers: Chargers linebacker Steve Foley didn't practice for a second consecutive day on Friday but he is expected to play even though he's listed as questionable. The Chargers list six other players as questionable, but the only one who isn't expected to play is guard Toniu Fonoti (hand). Tight end Ryan Krause missed Friday's practice and probably won't play with a foot injury. Those with good chances to play are center Nick Hardwick (neck), wide receiver Vincent Jackson (calf), linebacker Shaun Phillips (calf) and cornerback Quentin Jammer (quad). Those four practiced Friday. From that group, though, Vincent may be inactive.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are in good shape. Linebacker Kevin Burnett was added to the injury report Thursday after he tweaked his knee in practice, but he will play. Backup inside linebacker Ryan Fowler has been in and out of practice all week because of a calf injury and remains questionable.
New York Giants: The Giants defense could be short for the game against the Rams powerful offense. Cornerback Will Peterson is out with a possible stress fracture in his back. He will see a specialist Tuesday to determine if he can play the rest of the season. Even though Corey Webster remains listed as questionable with a quad injury, he's practiced all week and should be able to start along with Will Allen. Another problem is at linebacker. Carlos Emmons was added to the injury report Thursday with a hurt knee and hasn't practiced in two days. Tom Coughlin said it will be a gametime decision on Emmons. Barrett Green has practiced all week with knee and ankle problems and should be able to play. Running back Chad Morton is questionable with a hamstring injury and practiced all week. Running back Derrick Ward is questionable with a hamstring injury but could be available.
Philadelphia Eagles: With kicker David Akers out with a hamstring injury, the Eagles signed kicker Todd France off their practice squad and released wide receiver Darnerien McCants. Defensive tackle Darwin Walker was downgraded to out and will be replaced by rookie Mike Patterson. The five other players who remain on the injury list as probable will play. That includes quarterback Donovan McNabb, wide receiver Terrell Owens (abdomen), cornerback Lito Sheppard (knee) and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter (knee).
Washington Redskins: Rookie Carlos Rogers will get the start at cornerback because Walt Harris hasn't been able to practice all week because of a calf injury. Harris, kicker John Hall (quad) and safety Pierson Prioleau (hamstring) were downgraded from questionable to doubtful, meaning this trio probably won't play. Tackle Jon Jansen continues to play with two broken thumbs.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons defense is healthy for the first time since the opener. The only Falcons player who didn't practice and won't play was backup linebacker Antoine Cash, who is doubtful with a groin injury. Finally, Jim Mora has his cornerback corps set. Jason Webster is back after missing last week with a knee injury. Allen Rossum assumes the third cornerback role along with being the main return specialist after missing two games with a hamstring injury. Defensive end Brady Smith is back after missing a couple of games with a quad injury. Wide receiver Dez White has practiced all week with a hamstring injury that sidelined him last week, but Brian Finneran may end up starting.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers downgraded defensive end Kemp Rasmussen from questionable to doubtful because of a knee injury. He didn't practice Friday. The rest of the team is in good shape. Cornerback Ken Lucas remains questionable but he's practiced the past couple of days. Linebacker Will Witherspoon was back to practice Friday, giving him a good chance of playing. He missed last week with a knee injury and is listed as questionable.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints have 11 players listed as questionable, but the only two who didn't practice were halfback Aaron Stecker (ankle) and cornerback Fakhir Brown (knee). Both are expected to miss the game along with safety Jay Bellamy, who is out for the season. Wide receiver Joe Horn ran a little bit in practice and will try to play despite a hamstring injury that has him listed as questionable. Guard Jermane Mayberry practiced despite a bad shoulder. Jim Haslett has to decide whether to start him or Montrae Holland, who is questionable with a knee injury. Defensive ends Darren Howard (knee) and Charles Grant (toe) are questionable, but they practiced Friday and will play.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: "Cadillac" Williams has been limited in practice all week with his arch injury, but he will be starting. He has 88 carries in three games, and coach Jon Gruden is going to continue to work him as the main offensive threat. Safety Dexter Jackson remains questionable with a hamstring injury, but has a chance to play. The more likely scenario is for Jackson to back up Will Allen, who could take over the starting job. Guard Matt Stinchcomb's back is a little better and he could be available for backup duty.
NFC North
Detroit Lions: Kicker Jason Hanson continues to work toward a comeback from a hamstring injury that sidelined him two weeks ago, but the decision comes down to Saturday. Steve Mariucci is leaning toward having Hanson on the active roster and not making a move. He handled a few kickoffs and field goals and thinks he has a chance. If not, the Lions might have to add Remy Hamilton from their practice squad. Defensive end James Hall didn't practiced Friday and is questionable. He said Thursday he will be able to play, but it will be a gametime decision. The Lions won't have quarterback Jeff Garcia (ankle), fullback Cory Schlesinger (fibula), linebacker Alex Lewis (ankle) and safety Vernon Fox (elbow). Fox, who is listed as questionable, didn't practice again Friday.
Green Bay Packers: Over the past two days, the Packers have added six players to the injury report as probable, but there doesn't seem to be a serious injury. Safety Mark Roman was among the three added Friday for missing practice. He's probable with a hamstring injury. Running back Najeh Davenport was added Thursday as probable with a hamstring injury but he practiced Friday. So did center Mike Flanagan, who was added Friday with an abdominal injury. Cornerback Ahmad Carroll practiced Friday with a knee injury that lists him as questionable. He has a chance of playing. Tight end Bubba Franks remains out of practice with a knee injury. He's listed as questionable.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings downgraded three players who more than likely will miss Sunday's game against the Falcons. Safety Darren Sharper was downgraded to doubtful from questionable with a knee injury that has sidelined him all week and last week. Defensive end Kenechi Udeze was ruled out of the game. He is going to have arthroscopic knee surgery sometime next week. Halfback Moe Williams was downgraded from probable to questionable with a knee injury. Mike Tice will make a gametime decision whether or not he will play. Out are wide receiver Nate Burleson (knee) and cornerback Brian Williams (knee). Defensive end Lance Johnstone ruled himself out this week with a bad shoulder injury. Linebacker Sam Cowart is able to play with a hamstring injury. He's listed as probable. Linebacker E.J. Henderson might be available with an ankle injury that has him listed as questionable.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: There was no change in the Cardinals injury report, which means things are in bad shape for the game Sunday against the 49ers. Out are linebackers Gerald Hayes (knee), cornerback Antrel Rolle (knee), tackle Oliver Ross (hand) and quarterback Kurt Warner (groin). The Cardinals expected cornerback David Macklin to play even though he is probable with a hamstring injury.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers will start Anthony Clement at tackle because of Jonas Jennings' shoulder injury. Jennings hasn't practiced all week and is questionable. He was downgraded to doubtful Friday. Wide receiver Arnaz Battle (knee) and center Jeremy Newberry (knee) missed Friday's practice but they expect to play. They haven't practiced all week and were downgraded to questionable. Linebacker Julian Peterson missed Friday's practice with a hamstring injury. He's questionable, but the team expects him to play. Cornerback Mike Rumph was placed on the injured reserve list. His roster spot was taken by practice squad cornerback Bruce Thornton.
St. Louis Rams: Coach Mike Martz missed practice on Friday with a sinus infection, but is expected to make Sunday's game against the Giants. Wide receiver Isaac Bruce is all but out. He has a turf toe and hasn't practiced all week. Kevin Curtis will start for him. Safety Michael Hawthorne (ankle) and halfback Steven Jackson (chest) were upgraded from questionable to probable. Tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (knee) was downgraded from probable to questionable after missing practice Friday. Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy was taken off the injury report. The Rams re-signed cornerback Terry Fair and placed guard Richie Incognito on the NFI injury list after signing him a day ago.
Seattle Seahawks: Wide receiver Darrell Jackson missed Friday's practice because he is going to see a doctor about a knee injury that developed this week. Mike Holmgren expects him to play when he rejoins the team in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. Jackson is probable. The Seahawks could be down as many as three players Sunday for the trip to Washington, but the most significant new injuries involved wide receiver Peter Warrick, who is questionable with a groin injury and hasn't practiced all week. Cornerback Kelly Herndon was downgraded to questionable Thursday with a neck injury but he practiced Friday and should be able to play. The offensive line will be down two tackles, but that was expected. Missing will be Wayne Hunter (hamstring) and Floyd Womack (triceps).
